Aberdeen's Blackout Motors will sell wares, show off cycles, at Sturgis

August 02, 2013|By Jeff Natalie-Lees jnatalie-lees@aberdeennews.com

James Washnok and Katie Wagner have been to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally before as bikers, but this year they are working as vendors.

They are promoting their Aberdeen custom motorcycle shop, Blackout Motors, at a trade show at the Broken Spoke Saloon and Campground northeast of Sturgis. They will be at the the Chop-in Block vendor area through Aug. 11.

"It is getting our name out there on a national scale," Washnok said. "There will be builders from all over the country out there — frame makers, seat makers, painters."

Blackout Motors focuses on motorcycle repair, service and custom building. Customizing a motorcycle can be fairly simple — such as adding mirrors, grips or changing seats — or it can be elaborate. Some bikes are totally rebuilt.

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The business at 423 S. Harvard St. had its grand opening in February of this year.

In addition to networking with other custom motorcycle business owners, the couple will sell Blackout Motors apparel, merchandise and possibly a custom-built motorcycle or two.

"We are not sure we are going to sell any bikes," Washnok said. "After building them, they become like a member of the family. They are hard to give up."

Wagner said that whether they sell a bike or not depends on the price.

"Anything is for sale for the right price," she said.

Washnok drives a "bobber" a low riding motorcycle with a rigid frame that he built from scratch. Wagner drives a Harley Buell sport bike. It was the first motorcycle that Washnok ever built. The couple joke that the motorcycle was built in their living room, and yes, they had to get new carpet after it was finished, Wagner said.

Washnok's motorcycle won first prize in the Chop-In Block motorcycle bobber category last year. The victory gave him confidence to apply to be a vendor this year, he said.

One of the benefits of participating at the show is it helps a business get a wider client base. It also can help custom builders get invited to prestigious trade shows.

"Someday I would like to be able to be invited to Artistry in Iron, a show in Las Vegas," Washnok said. "It is taking the work to the next step as an art form. Custom builders are artists, it is just that our canvas happens to move."

Wagner said that the best thing about the Sturgis Rally is that she get to be with friends and meet new friends.

"You meet the best people out there," she said.

In addition to selling their wares at the Chop-In Block, the couple will take time out to ride in the Black Hills and attend concerts at the Broken Spoke.

"Black Hills riding is just the best," Wagner said.

Wagner grew up in Aberdeen, but moved to the Black Hills when she was in high school. Moving back to Aberdeen has been a homecoming, she said. Washnok is originally from the Groton area. Washnok and Wagner plan to get married in October.

Washnok began riding a friend's dirt bike when he was 13 and has loved motorcycles ever since then.

"It gets in your blood," he said.

The trip to Sturgis is the highlight of the year, Wagner said.

"We have been to other bike shows, like Daytona, but the Sturgis rally is the best," she said.